AGs call for social media law to protect youth mental health

BALTIMORE, MD—As growing evidence suggests that social media platforms can exacerbate mental health issues among young people, a coalition of 43 attorneys general, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, is calling on Congress to pass a law to protect them. In a letter to Congress (PDF), the attorneys general cite research linking young people’s use of social media platforms […]

Baltimore County Public Schools partners with Talkspace to provide free telehealth therapy to high school students year-round

BALTIMORE, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools this week announced a new partnership with Talkspace, a leading online behavioral health care company, to provide free, unlimited telehealth therapy for all BCPS high school students ages 13 and above. Beginning December 2023, more than 32,000 students will have access to high-quality, messaging therapy and evidenced-based mental health resources. This districtwide program offers support […]

Maryland Department of Health, 211 Maryland announce enhanced search options for mental health, substance use services

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health and 211 Maryland this week announced the launch of a new database on PressOne.211MD.org that improves access for Marylanders looking for mental health and substance use disorder resources. The site offers new dropdown filters — including age, language, payment options, special populations and service type — which narrow search results and identify the specific […]

Governor Hogan signs amended Executive Order for Commission for Suicide Prevention

Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday issued an amended Executive Order modernizing the Governor’s Commission for Suicide Prevention. The updated executive order is in response to rising national and state suicide rates and follows a request from the commission that was supported by the Maryland Department of Health. “Every day, thousands of Marylanders struggle with mental health challenges, and we must do everything […]